Oyo School Abduction: Senator Buhari Explains Why Security Forces Cannot Attack Kidnappers Holding 47 Children
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, has shed light on why security operatives have yet to carry out a direct assault on the kidnappers holding dozens of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State.
The lawmaker explained that the safety of the kidnapped pupils remains the foremost priority for authorities, as the abductors are reportedly using the children to shield themselves from possible military intervention.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday, Buhari disclosed that the gunmen strategically positioned the abducted pupils around them, creating a highly dangerous situation for any rescue mission.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, the senator warned that any aggressive military operation against the kidnappers could result in catastrophic consequences for the children being held captive.
Buhari provided the update while discussing ongoing efforts by security agencies and government authorities to secure the safe release of the victims and provide support to affected families.
PulseNets learnt that a federal government delegation recently visited families impacted by the abduction. The delegation also paid a visit to the family of a man reportedly killed during the attack.
The senator revealed that the deceased’s widow appealed to government authorities for assistance in recovering her husband’s body, saying the family remains uncertain about the whereabouts of his remains following the incident.
Addressing the challenges confronting security agencies, Buhari described the vast forest terrain believed to be serving as a refuge for the kidnappers.
He explained that the forest stretches across multiple states, including Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi and Sokoto, while extending toward border communities linked to both the Benin Republic and the Niger Republic.
According to the senator, the thick vegetation and expansive nature of the forest provide criminal elements with cover, allowing them to move frequently from one location to another and complicating intelligence gathering efforts.
Buhari further noted that the situation differs significantly from conventional military engagements because the kidnappers do not operate from a permanent base and can quickly relocate across extensive territories.
Highlighting the risks involved in any rescue operation, he said:
“The early part, they took the children to surround themselves and it was raining, so if you decide to attack, they will kill all the 47 children, they used them as human shields.”
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He further stated:
“The abductors use these children to surround themselves, basically using them as human shields. It is not a conventional war.”
The lawmaker stressed that security agencies are operating under extremely difficult conditions, balancing the need to dismantle criminal networks with the overriding objective of ensuring the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren.
